COMMUNITY FORUM

ceiling fan support

I am new to this forum and this is my first question. I am about to install a ceiling fan in my dining room and I discovered that I am going to have to replace the current ceiling box as it is plastic and the holes are stripped. I took out the box, it was mounted to a metal, extendable brace that is NAILED to the studs on either side. My question is: Does the brace has to be screwed in or is it ok to be just nailed. I pulled down on it, and it didn't go anywhere and there is no play in it, but I'm wondering if the vibration from the fan could loosen it over time.